Coming to the church as a convert there were all sorts of expectations I had. I did A LOT of reading and study before I entered an Orthodox parish for the first time. Most of those expectations were met. In truth there were a few that were not, however there are so many things which I found that I would never have imagined. I believe one of the coolest benefits of Orthodoxy is that I worship and pray with people from all around the world. People from Iraq, Jordan, Syria. Palestine, Russia, Ethiopia, Romania, Serbia, Germany, France, England, Mexico, and the good ol' US of A to name just some of the countries. My past church experiences found me largely around White Anglo-Saxon Protestants. I'm not trying to discount the culture of WASP, that is my culture. It is just nice to feel a connection and have a commonality with these Christians who come from the lands where the church began and grew in infancy. It is no secret that in certain areas parishes mirror ethnic country clubs. If you find that your experience please do not let it stop you from seeking the faith. The church is evolving on this continent. Should you have walked into a Lutheran parish pre-World War One you would have found it very much German or Scandinavian. Don't be afraid to tell the priest if the ethnic aspect of the faith is a stumbling block, many priest are converts themselves or have experience helping converts adjust and fit in. In my experience I tried to use the ethnic aspect of the church as an excuse to run away from what I knew in my head and heart was the truth. Praise God he kept chasing after me.
On behalf of Holy Trinity Orthodox Mission we invite you to come and see what Orthodox Christianity is about. There is never any expectation or pressure. We are here to serve you and to share the good news of Christ, we are not here to force a faith upon you. Our Liturgy is in English but you may hear an occasional "kyrie eleison" or "Ya Rabb, urrham" as an acknowledgement of St. Paul's words that "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" Galatians 3:28.
We meet at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Folsom California each Sunday.
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